Delhi Metro’s decision to air audio ads inside trains gets backlash: ‘annoying for passengers’

DMRC will air audio adverts on six trains along the Violet Line

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s decision to broadcast audio ads inside trains has been met with an overwhelmingly negative response. A majority of Delhi Metro passengers resisted the idea, predicting that the ads would be noisy and annoying to commuters.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has said the audio ads will initially be implemented on six trains along the Violet Line route between Kashmere Gate and Badarpur Border. The ads will air for a period of one year initially, starting this month.

The DMRC announced the decision to broadcast audio ads on trains in a post shared on X, promising that these ads will “bring a delightful and engaging dimension to the journey, offering passengers a welcome break from the routine.”

But going by the response to the announcement, few believed the DMRC’s claim.

Some slammed the decision, calling it one more way to generate revenue at the expense of passenger comfort.

“Opening food outlets at every hook and corner of the metro stations, now another mean of increasing earnings. Could you please concentrate on giving services to the passengers too,” wrote one irate commenter.

Opening food outlets at every hook and corner of the metro stations, now another mean of increasing earnings. Could you please concentrate on giving services to the passengers too.

— Thinker... (@ajjaysingh) December 5, 2023

It will be irritating. Some people like to rest while travelling in metro after hectic day at work. Let them.

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— Deepanshu Balyan (@deepanshubalyan) December 5, 2023

It is very bad. What if I want peace on the train. Audio announcements will contain all sorts of jingles and music which will be hard to ignore. Since regular announcements are in plain voice, it is easy to ignore them and get some rest or some work done. I highly oppose this

— KS (@kartiksinha01) December 5, 2023

Oh dear lord no.
The metro is where so many of us get some rest, reading, thinking done.

Passengers DON’T WANT audio ads. Try muted video ads on the platforms instead, to make ad revenue

— Kalamwalibai (@AkshitaNagpal) December 5, 2023

Some also said that passengers are already paying for a ticket and should not be subjected to unwanted, intrusive advertisements.

I highly oppose. We all need peace. If I'm paying for a ticket why unnecessary add to forced on the consumer. Find some other way of advertising.

— Sumit Kapoor (@SumitKa38762280) December 5, 2023